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CALL CENTER EXPANSION TO CREATE HUNDREDS OF JOBS - APAC Customer Services says a major expansion will bring more than 1,100 jobs to Arizona, with 700 full-time positions coming to Tucson. The Chicago-based call center made the announcement yesterday with the Arizona Commerce Authority and Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc. They say the move will be a major boost to the Tucson-Phoenix “Sun Corridor.” APAC serves customers in a broad range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, communications, and travel and hospitality industries. APAC already ranks 24th among Southern Arizona’s largest employers, with 1,904 full-time equivalent employees at the start of the year, according to a survey by the Arizona Daily Star.

MEXICAN CONSULATE READY FOR IMMIGRATION CHANGES - The Mexican government announced yesterday that the 50 consulates in the United States are prepared to help those who qualify for executive action on immigration. Currently, the government is running a national help line out of Tucson. Once President Obama's action begins next year, the consulate will provide free legal advice, workshops, and the waiving of document fees. Officials say the goal is to provide information through trusted sources, so that immigrants don't fall victim to fraud or abuse. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.

TRANSIT ON HOLIDAY SCHEDULE THURSDAY: READY FOR GAME FRIDAY - Both Sun Tran and the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar will be operating on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, and Sun Express routes will not be in operation. Regular service will return Friday. On Friday, football fans can ride the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar to the University of Arizona football game. Prior to the 1:30 p.m. rivalry game against Arizona State University, fans can experience dining, entertainment, and retail opportunities at Main Gate Square, Fourth Avenue, Downtown Tucson, and the Mercado District, and then board the streetcar to the UA from any one of the 23 stops along the 3.9-mile route. Once on campus, Arizona Stadium is a short walk from the Second Street and Cherry Avenue stop. Fans also can park in one of the many garages downtown and take the streetcar to the game to avoid UA congestion. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Pennington Street Garage is offering discounted parking fees when you ask for the "Park, Dine, and Ride" bundle, which includes a Sun Link Day Pass and parking.UA Parking and Transportation football information

JOB OPPORTUNITY: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - This position primarily is responsible for the collection of trash and recycling using trucks operated by hydraulic systems. City of Tucson Environmental Services has multiple positions available for qualified individuals with solid waste collecting experience and the skills to operate front loaders, automated side loaders, roll-offs, rear loaders, skid steers, and other collection and hauling equipment. The application deadline is Dec. 7.

In an effort to help holiday travelers and promote safety, the Arizona Department of Transportation says no construction closures are scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways or state highways over the Thanksgiving weekend. No closures will be scheduled between Wednesday afternoon and early Monday morning, Dec. 1.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PIPES FOR FREEZING WEATHER - A Freeze Watch is in effect for the Tucson area overnight, and Tucson Water is recommending that residential and business customers insulate exposed water pipes, plumbing, and backflow assemblies as part of their preparation for winter. You can wrap exposed pipes and plumbing with insulation available at plumbing supply and home improvement stores. In a pinch, you also can wrap your exposed pipes with towels and blankets. Tucson Water has tips and videos to help you get ready for winter.Watch a demonstration video from Tucson 12

FINALISTS NARROWED DOWN FOR JAN. 8 MEMORIAL - The January 8th Memorial Foundation has chosen four finalists to submit competing proposals for the design of a permanent, outdoor memorial at El Presidio Park in Downtown Tucson. The memorial will honor the six people killed on that day and the 13 who were injured at the 2011 Congress on Your Corner event that was hosted by Gabrielle Giffords, who was among the injured. Firms submitted statements of interest, past work examples, and preliminary renderings of how they might design the memorial. About half of the 60 submissions were from companies based in Arizona, but Ibarra Rosano Design Architects is the only Tucson firm to be named a finalist. Read more from the Arizona Daily Star.

TRASH AND RECYCLING DELAYED A DAY THIS WEEK FOR MANY CUSTOMERS - Thanksgiving will be observed this Thursday, and residential and commercial trash and recycling will not be collected on that day. All City of Tucson customers with Thursday or Friday collections will have their trash and recycling services delayed by one day, and the Los Reales Landfill will be closed on Thursday. Except for emergency services, all City of Tucson offices also will be closed on Thanksgiving.Download "My Waste" app

DOWNTOWN PARADE OF LIGHTS ACCEPTING ENTRIES - The Downtown Tucson Partnership is inviting individuals and community groups to participate in the Downtown Parade of Lights, presented by Carondelet St. Mary’s. This year marks the 20th year of the parade, which attracts about 20,000 spectators. The festivities will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, and entries to take part in the parade must be submitted by Dec. 5.

SUNGO CARDS ACCEPTED ON BOTH SUN LINK STREETCAR AND SUN TRAN BUSES - The SunGO card is the best way to pay fares when riding public transit in Tucson. The card works on both the Sun Tran bus system and the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar. A SunGO card with unlimited rides for a month is just $42. If you're an occasional rider, you can load the SunGO card with a cash value to pay the $1.50 one-way fares whenever you use transit. In addition, there are many discounts available for students, low-income residents, senior and others. If you ride the streetcar, you must have a SunGO card, or purchase a day pass with cash or a credit card from a vending machine at the stop. Cash is not accepted on the streetcar.How to Ride streetcarCómo Viajar video

Councilmember Richard Fimbres stated the following, after the vote by the Pima County Bond Advisory Committee at their meeting today:

"I want to express my thanks to the Pima County Bond Advisory Committee, which today, voted to move forward three bond project proposals for Willie Blake Park, Silverlake Park and the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial for final consideration by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, expected in February 2015. Along with the Quincie Douglas Proposal, there are four projects located in Ward 5 that are being considered."

EL TOUR DE TUCSON TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS - Downtown Tucson will be the site of the El Tour de Tucson start/finish line tomorrow. The event will encompass the entire region with a 107-mile bicycle ride/race, meaning traffic will be restricted at various times in many parts of the city. Beginning tonight at 6 o'clock, Sixth Avenue will be closed between 12th and 13th Streets and will remain closed until late tomorrow afternoon. Beginning at 5 a.m.

Water valve work on a water transmission main continues, causing some traffic restrictions on eastbound 22nd Street at Country Club Road.

Beginning at 6 a.m., Saturday, November 22, eastbound 22nd St. will be reduced to one travel lane just west of Country Club. The left turn lane to northbound Country Club will be closed. In addition, the left turn lane to eastbound 22nd from southbound Country Club will be closed.

EL TOUR DE TUCSON TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS - Downtown Tucson will be the site of the El Tour de Tucson start/finish line tomorrow. The event will encompass the entire region with a 107-mile bicycle ride/race, meaning traffic will be restricted at various times in many parts of the city. Beginning tonight at 6 o'clock, Sixth Avenue will be closed between 12th and 13th Streets and will remain closed until late tomorrow afternoon. Beginning at 5 a.m. tomorrow, Sixth Avenue will be closed from 13th Street to 22nd Street, and 22nd Street from Arizona Avenue to Mission Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction. Left turns will be not be permitted. Also tomorrow, Grande Avenue will be closed between Congress Street and 22nd Street from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. The eastbound I-10 frontage road also will be closed between Cushing Street and 22nd Street. These streets will reopen by late afternoon, after the last rider has finished. More than 6,000 bicyclists are expected to take part in El Tour. Read more on traffic restrictions.
PRESIDENT OBAMA TAKES ACTION ON IMMIGRATION - President Obama last night announced his executive action on immigration, halting deportations of nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants. Key components of Obama's announcement include placing a greater emphasis on securing the border, prioritizing immigration resources on deporting felons, halting deportations for parents of U.S. citizens, and providing an accountability program for long-term residents who are undocumented, but have significant family ties. The president's action does not provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, nor does it allow access to the Affordable Care Act. Read more from the the White House blog.

ZOO EXPERT/TV CELEBRITY PRAISES CITY'S REID PARK ZOO - Through his two TV shows and late-night TV talk show appearances, Jack Hanna is a familiar name among wildlife lovers and the zoo community. The Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo was in Tucson yesterday releasing bighorn sheep into the Santa Catalina Mountains and recording footage at the Reid Park Zoo for a TV show that will air in the spring. Hanna took some time out of his schedule to speak with Tucson 12 about the great work being done at Tucson's zoo, while also discussing the financial impact and quality-of-life zoos bring to their communities.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE WHEN FRYING A TURKEY - If you plan to fry your Thanksgiving turkey, please be aware that there are several safety steps you need to take to prevent injury to yourself and others. Tucson Fire Department Captain Barrett Baker offers some tips to keep your holiday celebration away from the emergency room.

The Social Services Students in two of the Community Organization & Development Classes at Pima Community College would like to invite the veterans and individuals and families experiencing homelessness to the free event “Hand in Hand -Tucson Cares” on Saturday, December 6th , 2014 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. This event will be held at Santa Rita Park, located at 401 E.

Downtown Tucson will be the host of the annual El Tour de Tucson start/finish line. This event encompasses the entire region with a 107-mile bicycle ride/race with an anticipated participation of over 6,000 bicyclists.

Downtown Tucson will be the host of the annual El Tour de Tucson start/finish line. This event encompasses the entire region with a 107-mile bicycle ride/race with an anticipated participation of over 6,000 bicyclists.

The Thanksgiving Day holiday will be observed on Thursday, November 27, 2014. Residential and commercial trash and recycling will not be collected. The Los Reales Landfill will be closed. All City of Tucson residential and commercial customers with regular Thursday or Friday collection will have their trash and recycling service delayed by one day.